Jillaroos Jilted Out of Junior World Cup

A draw between the Jillaroos – featuring WAIS scholarship holder Kate Denning – and England at the Junior World Cup in Boston, USA has ended Australia’s bid to win the prestigious tournament.

Entering the match knowing that only a win would see them advance to the semi finals, the Jillaroos were able to create enough opportunities, however were not able to convert these opportunities into goals.

The Jillaroos looked intense from the beginning of the match, with Casey Eastham a focal point while Jill Dwyer and Danielle Schubach were also active.

Although the passing of the Jillaroos was crisp, the English defence denied any Australian forward movements, with the usual outcome a hit into the circle while trying to find a player on the post.

Eventually the pressure applied by England proved too strong, scoring the first goal of the match at the eight minute mark to set up a handy lead for England.

England continued their pressure throughout the first half however the Jillaroos maintained their run, eventually getting some reward for their effort when a hit into the circle found Schubach who brilliantly put the ball into the top of the net.

Knowing their tournament was on the line, the Jillaroos lifted after halftime, with Georgia Nanscawen’s skill troubling England.

Continuing to penetrate the circle, the Jillaroos were unable to draw a penalty corner however were given an opportunity when a kick out mistake from the English goalkeeper was swooped on by Eastham, however she was not able to convert.

The result sees the Jillaroos finish on ten points on their points table, the same as Korea. However unfortunately for the Jillaroos, a greater goal difference tally for Korea means they will advance to the semi finals along with England who finished on top of their points table on 11 points.

The Jillaroos will now play China for fifth place on Sunday August 16.

– Hockey Australia.